While it is true that back pain related to disc displacement may need to be treated with judicious use of steroid injections, generally that is limited to three such injections. The use of high doses of steroids and/or the use of steroids over extended periods of time can have potentially severe and permanent medical sequellae, including AVN (avascular necrosis), Cushing’s syndrome, osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cataracts with visual impairment, peptic ulcer and bone fractures. Steroids must be used with caution and the patient monitored for side effects on a continuous basis in order to ensure that any potential side effects are of limited rather than permanent duration.
Cushing’s syndrome can occur spontaneously from the overproduction of ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) from the pituitary, but also from the iatrogenic overdosing of steroids. Steroid intake actually suppresses natural steroid production of the adrenal gland. Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by symptoms including purplish linear streaks (striae), buffalo hump, arthropathy, myopathy, weight gain, and osteoporosis.
Medical experts for cases involving high-dose steroids causing Cushing's syndrome include endocrinology, pediatric endocrinology, orthopaedic surgery, pediatric marlene surgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology.